pathogenesis

American  

[path-uh-jen-uh-sis] / ˌpæθ əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

Also pathogeny

noun

1. the production and development of disease.

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pathogenesis British  

/ pəˈθɒdʒɪnɪ, ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs, ˌpæθəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk /

noun

1. the origin, development, and resultant effects of a disease

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Other Word Forms

• pathogenetic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pathogenesis

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at patho-, -genesis

Explanation

The medical term pathogenesis means the source of a disease. Your doctor might guess that the pathogenesis of your ear infection was a bad cold that caused congestion and swelling. If you ask your doctor, "How did I get chickenpox?" you're asking about the pathogenesis of an illness that gave you an itchy rash and a high fever. The word stems from the Greek pathos, "suffering or disease," and genesis, "origin." In medical terms, pathogenesis lays out the biological progression of a disease from its origin to the symptoms it caused that sent you to your doctor's office.

Example Sentences

"It provides new insights into this disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for future research."

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

"We created a model of hibernation, which is so critical to understanding of the pathogenesis of the infection."

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2024

Among the various factors contributing to the pathogenesis of this condition is the loss of the blood-brain barrier, a highly selective protective cellular barrier that prevents harmful chemicals from entering the brain through the blood.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

"Our new work contributes to the growing body of evidence highlighting the significance of microbiota-driven mechanisms in cancer pathogenesis," Tang said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2024

These studies in pathogenesis and etiology are fundamentally necessary for the development of a rational therapy and prophylaxis.

From A Psychiatric Milestone Bloomingdale Hospital Centenary, 1821-1921 by New York Hospital. Society